Folks:
After reading the Post: "Some More Time-Sensitive Enabling" which had some significant discussion about U.S. State Diplomatic Security Service S&W and Naval Investigative Service Model 19s, I found a photo from a shoot I attended last year. I figured I'd post it up since the world needs more revolver photos. Here goes:
What you are looking at is a Smith and Wesson Model 19-3. This Model 19 started out as a square butt police department trade in (possibly from Pittsburgh PA PD). Years ago, I read an article by CE Harris who used to write for he American Rifleman. I don't have the article he wrote, but I believe that is where I was exposed to the round butt Model 19. Somewhere along the line, I picked up the pictured Model 19. I decided to convert that revolver to round butt. I found a set of round butt service stocks and went to work. I had the revolver re-blued by a gunsmith in Pennsylvania and it turned out pretty well. I really enjoyed shooting that gun and eventually put a set of Pachmayr Compact stocks on it. Round butt K frame S&Ws, especially Model 19s, possess a special set of characteristics that sets them apart from most revolvers.
I later found a set of John Hurst stocks on Gun Broker and bought them. The vendor did not realize what they were and I was able to acquire them pretty inexpensively. The medallion you see appears to be cloisonné and is an emblem for the El Dorado County California Sheriff's Office. I surmise Mr. Hurst made these stocks for a deputy at EDCSO or possibly as a gift. I have no idea who the previous owner was. I previously mentioned these stocks. The are an exceptional example of the stock maker's art. Nothing, in terms of revolver stocks, feels as good as these. I am a huge fan of Craig Spegel and absolutely love the fit and feel of his round butt K frame stocks. As good as Craig's stock feels to me, the Hurst stocks are a hair better. I am blessed to have sets from both makers. If anyone has any contacts with EDCSO or information on the history of these stocks, please reach out for me.
As to the holster, it is a very, very early rig made by Milt Sparks himself. A dear friend who is a hard core shooter and Sparks holster collector loaned the holster to me for a revolver shoot that a mutual friend used to host. The rig rides high and close to the body. The fit is outstanding and retention was excellent. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the products that Milt made but never saw this kind of rig. It pays to keep an eye out for things like this.
As to the shoot, I did not bring dishonor to my clan. As to the setting and friends that were present that day, all I can say is that it was one of the better days I have lived in a while. Enjoy!
Bruce
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Originally Posted by LtDave
